Childcare facilities across the island are getting a much needed boost from the Digicel Foundation. During a meeting at the Foundation’s downtown Kingston headquarters on Wednesday, an agreement was signed with the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) to erect 10 wash stations in 10 children’s homes across the island.
As one of the basic safety protocols, the need for wash stations in schools and other institutions is growing. The CPFSA has been lobbying for all homes to install wash stations. However, the cost for permanent or semi-permanent structures can be prohibitive for many. Sponsors like the Digicel Foundation have a major role to play in supporting institutions and child care facilities as they aim to keep Jamaica’s children safe.
“It is very critical in our child care facilities to continue with the protocols, including the washing of hands. We’ve instituted regular washing for the children – these wash stations will be critical in that,” explained Rosalee Gage-Grey, CEO of the CPFSA. “It’s our pleasure to be partnering with the Digicel Foundation. Some very meaningful projects have been executed before and we are quite appreciative of this initiative to put wash stations in 10 of our facilities.”
The Digicel Foundation has invested over J$100 million into Jamaica’s COVID recovery thus far. This includes donations of food and sanitization items to the CPFSA. Most recently, the Foundation partnered with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority to donate food items, chickens and agricultural plants to the Maxfield Park Children’s Home.
“Throughout the pandemic we’ve been putting children first,” explained Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation. “Our children have been greatly impacted by COVID and we have to do everything to create a sense of normalcy for them while ensuring their safety. That’s why we’ve partnered with the CPFSA to provide continued support.”
In 2020, the Digicel Foundation constructed 10 wash stations in Special Needs schools to assist the institutions with reopening their doors. Each station is made from concrete to ensure durability and is equipped with a sensor-operated faucet and a foot pedal-operated faucet for hands-free use.
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